After traveling to seven cities through four months, the Smartop | Bullfrog Spas | MotoConcepts | Honda team wrapped up the race season with the 2021 Salt Lake City Two Supercross, the seventeenth and final round of the 2021 Monster Energy Supercross Series. Broc Tickle and Benny Bloss kept MCR bikes on the track at Rice-Eccles Stadium, as both riders made the 450 Main Event and solidified their final ranking in the championship standings.
Broc Tickle made noticeable improvements through the final portion of the season, and the last race of the year was one of his best. Tickle's 42.791 lap was within a second of the fastest riders in the afternoon's Timed Qualifying sessions and put him 12th overall in the combined results. A solid start in 450 Heat Race One got Tickle into the top-10 early, and after battles for transfer positions with riders in the pack, he crossed the finish line in sixth place. Another good launch in the 450 Main Event had Tickle in the thick of the action early and hopeful for a season-best finish, but a mistake on the second lap sent into the Tuff Blocks and damaged the shifter on his CRF450R. After a quick stop in the work area to straighten the bent part, Tickle rejoined the race, charged his way through the pack with fast laps, and completed the long moto in 16th place. "The day started well. I qualified well in practice, my best of the season, had a decent Heat Race, and felt really good going into the Main Event," noted Tickle. "Unfortunately, I landed on a Tuff Block and bent the shifter all the way underneath my footpeg. I went to the mechanic's area, and after they fixed it as well as they could, I was able to finish the race. It was tough because I was stuck in only first or second gear and hit neutral a few times, but I'm happy with the effort. The progress that we as a team made through 2021 was great, and I appreciate the time we've had together." Tickle's consistent results, especially through the latter part of the season, allowed him to end the season 13th overall in the 450 Class championship standings and the highest-ranked non-factory rider.
Benny Bloss matched his best result of the season at the finale, but he earned it the hard way. A 43.237 lap in the first session of Timed Qualifying showed that Bloss had a good pace on the tight track, and he was ranked 14th overall in the final standings. A subpar start in 450 Heat Race One put Bloss outside of the top-10 in the early laps, and he rallied through the middle of the short sprint to reach eighth place. A mistake moments before the start of the 450 Main Event caused Bloss to get caught up in the gate, and he began the race at the rear of the field. Fast laps in the first part of the long moto allowed Bloss to catch back up to the pack, and he fought his way through the running order through the closing laps to finish in 13th place. "It's good to end the season on a high note," said Bloss. "I felt comfortable right away, and it showed in my lap times during practice and Heat Race. The mistake at the start of the 450 Main Event was frustrating because I was instantly at a disadvantage, but there were plenty of laps on the small track to catch up, make passes, and salvage a result. Thanks to the team for everything this year because we went through ups and downs without giving up." Bloss ended the season ranked 22nd overall in the 450 Class championship standings.
Although injuries sidelined Vince Friese and Shane McElrath for the closing rounds, both riders had remarkable moments at different times, including Friese's determined rides to consistent results through the middle of the season and McElraths's impressive speed as a rookie. Friese finishes the season ranked 18th and McElrath 29th overall in the 450 Class championship standings.